http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_...ns-integri.html

A conservative whose word I trust.

Some facts about the author of that article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Sullivan

Andrew Sulivan, is a British Citizen.......and considers himself to be a classical libertarian conservative who is often at odds with other conservatives in the U.S.

Edited September 10, 200817 yr by usetobeasoapfan

http://www.bobcesca.com/blog-archives/2008...re_to_yack.html

wow.

I happen to agree that it's kind of strange to want to teach sex in kindergarten.

"Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told Planned Parenthood Tuesday that sex education for kindergarteners, as long as it is 'age-appropriate,' is 'the right thing to do.'

Some facts about the author of that article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Sullivan

Andrew Sulivan, is a British Citizen.......and considers himself to be a classical libertarian conservative who is often at odds with other conservatives in the U.S.

I think the McCain camp has plans to promote Obama's popularity in Europe!

I think it will play well. Because if you really think about it, would people in Europe want us to be stronger or weaker? I think they would rather see a weaker America which is why they support Obama.

Back to issues...For all of the people that want to talk about issues and that support Obama. Could you debate these issues with me please?

Also, Obama "says" he wants to ramp up millitary action in Afghanistan/Pakistan, but has also said he wants to reduce millitary spending. How will he do this?

With the money realized from ending the war in Iraq that will be enough to devote more money and time to Afghanistan. This is where the "War on Terror" should have been headquartered in the first place. With Bush now saying that he wants to withdraw troops from Iraq as well, it appears that the Repubs are in agreement that the Iraq war should start coming to an end.

In regards to reducing miliary spending, I think most of that will be realized with his plan to overhaul the corrupt contracting policy that Bush has been running for 8 years.

From barackobama.com:

"Reform Contracting

- Create Transparency for Military Contractors: Barack Obama will require the Pentagon and State Department to develop a strategy for determining when contracting makes sense, rather than continually handing off governmental jobs to well-connected companies. An Obama administration will create the transparency and accountability needed for good governance. Finally, it will establish the legal status of contractor personnel, making possible prosecution of any abuses committed by private military contractors.

- Restore Honesty, Openness, and Commonsense to Contracting and Procurement: An Obama administration will realize savings by reducing the corruption and cost overruns that have become all too routine in defense contracting. This includes launching a program of acquisition reform and management, which would end the common practice of no-bid contracting. He will end the abuse of supplemental budgets by creating a system of oversight for war funds as stringent as in the regular budget. He will restore the government's ability to manage contracts by rebuilding our contract officer corps. He will order the Justice Department to prioritize prosecutions that will punish and deter fraud, waste and abuse. "

So Casey, how does McCain propose to end the war in Iraq? Or is he still of the mindset that we will have troops there for the next 100 years? What about Afghanistan? Does he plan on getting more troops over to that region, or does he feel the existing troop levels are sufficient to fight the Taliban?

How is he going to pay for the increases in the military budget he's wanting?

Roman, who were you referring to? You didn't mention me by name. So who was it?

Let's settle this so that we may move on...You also said that I get the respect I give in return (you did refer to me by name there)... So please give me an example where I have been this rude to you. I have only disagreed with your beliefs. I have never been rude to you!

I guess you are taking the "high road" and you dont want to settle this matter.

I think the McCain camp has plans to promote Obama's popularity in Europe!

I think it will play well. Because if you really think about it, would people in Europe want us to be stronger or weaker? I think they would rather see a weaker America which is why they support Obama.

Rofl...

From someone that lived in Europe/England for some years, IA!

Rofl...

From someone that lived in Europe/England for some years, IA!

GMAB. I lived in the UK for four years, and I couldn't disagree more. The fact of the matter is that they need someone in the White House that will be strong but diplomatic as well. Bush has never offered that, his administration has alienated our allies and McCain offers more of the same.

Obama is the only one offering a comprehensive plan to restore faith in America abroad. I guess the Repubs are still of the mindset that we can do whatever we want, whenever we want and there will be no consequences of our actions.

With the money realized from ending the war in Iraq that will be enough to devote more money and time to Afghanistan. This is where the "War on Terror" should have been headquartered in the first place. With Bush now saying that he wants to withdraw troops from Iraq as well, it appears that the Repubs are in agreement that the Iraq war should start coming to an end.

In regards to reducing miliary spending, I think most of that will be realized with his plan to overhaul the corrupt contracting policy that Bush has been running for 8 years.

From barackobama.com:

"Reform Contracting

- Create Transparency for Military Contractors: Barack Obama will require the Pentagon and State Department to develop a strategy for determining when contracting makes sense, rather than continually handing off governmental jobs to well-connected companies. An Obama administration will create the transparency and accountability needed for good governance. Finally, it will establish the legal status of contractor personnel, making possible prosecution of any abuses committed by private military contractors.

- Restore Honesty, Openness, and Commonsense to Contracting and Procurement: An Obama administration will realize savings by reducing the corruption and cost overruns that have become all too routine in defense contracting. This includes launching a program of acquisition reform and management, which would end the common practice of no-bid contracting. He will end the abuse of supplemental budgets by creating a system of oversight for war funds as stringent as in the regular budget. He will restore the government's ability to manage contracts by rebuilding our contract officer corps. He will order the Justice Department to prioritize prosecutions that will punish and deter fraud, waste and abuse. "

So Casey, how does McCain propose to end the war in Iraq? Or is he still of the mindset that we will have troops there for the next 100 years? What about Afghanistan? Does he plan on getting more troops over to that region, or does he feel the existing troop levels are sufficient to fight the Taliban?

How is he going to pay for the increases in the military budget he's wanting?

McCain's main focus on Iraq is to succeed. He will reduce government spending (earmarks) by vetos and reform bills in other areas of government to free up funding for the war.

He has spoken extensively on Afghanistan..here is a video..

Obama wrong on Iraq, for Afghanistan

Do you have any input on Obama's double-talk on Business taxes?

GMAB. I lived in the UK for four years, and I couldn't disagree more. The fact of the matter is that they need someone in the White House that will be strong but diplomatic as well. Bush has never offered that, his administration has alienated our allies and McCain offers more of the same.

Obama is the only one offering a comprehensive plan to restore faith in America abroad. I guess the Repubs are still of the mindset that we can do whatever we want, whenever we want and there will be no consequences of our actions.

McCain will be a great diplomat. He has been in a war and has stressed that he hates war! He understands the importance of peace talks. But the big difference is that he will not be pushed around by Europeans. He will do what is in the best interest of America!

McCain will be a great diplomat. He has been in a war and has stressed that he hates war! He understands the importance of peace talks. But the big difference is that he will not be pushed around by Europeans. He will do what is in the best interest of America!

OK. And Barack Obama will be "pushed around" by Europeans? What proof do you have in making that statement?

And don't worry Casey, I do have thoughts on what you coin Obama's "double speak" on Business Taxes, but this one piqued my interest.

Edited September 10, 200817 yr by Greg's GL

wow... just wow.

perhaps the backhanded insults and personal attacks one eachother can stop and people can discuss and debate things.

Here's a question - where doe each person running stand on immigrant laws?

That was listed in the ABC quiz I posted back a few pages. I'll try and find the quotes again.

Which I did

McCain: I’m very aware of the challenges we face and the impact of illegal immigration. So, we will secure the borders first. As president, I will have the border state governors certify that those borders are secure.

McCain: The program will…ensure that all undocumented aliens either leave or follow the path to legal residence. America cannot permit a permanent category of individuals that do not have recognized status—a permanent second class.

Obama: We need stronger enforcement on the border and at the workplace…where we can bring in more foreign-born workers with the skills our economy needs, we should.

Obama: We should require them to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for citizenship behind those who came here legally, but we cannot—and should not—deport 12 million people

I actually agree with both candidates here.

OK. And Barack Obama will be "pushed around" by Europeans? What proof do you have in making that statement?

And don't worry Casey, I do have thoughts on what you coin Obama's "double speak" on Business Taxes, but this one piqued my interest.

Maybe, I am just selfish, but I dont really put much thought into who Europe supports as our president. Obama seems to be very mindful of their interests. Just seems that he will let their opinions play a part of his administration. I could be wrong. I was basing those statements on opinion. It will be hard to prove until he actually takes office.

What proof do you have that McCain will be more of the same of Bush as a diplomat?

I actually agree with both candidates here.

Immigration is a tough one for me as well. I can actually see both sides of the argument and let's face it, when a country has so many illegal immigrants as we do and they are doing the jobs that a lot of Americans will not do, it makes it harder.

Here in Florida, the fern industry is huge. It blew up in the 80s after a couple of pretty cold winters destroyed the citrus crops in North Florida. Instead of replanting the citrus (which usually takes a few years to produce fruit), a lot of the land owners switched over to fern. It grows quickly and can produce profits within months. And who are the ones picking the fern? Mostly illegal immigrants.

It would be hard to find a local willing to stand around in the summer bending over to pick fern.

Another thing - after the hurricane season of 2004, when FEMA came into towns to help out, the land owners were po'd cuz the immigrants were getting food, clothing, etc from FEMA so they weren't working. They were trying to make FEMA stop handouts so the immigrants would get back to work....

Maybe, I am just selfish, but I dont really put much thought into who Europe supports as our president. Obama seems to be very mindful of their interests. Just seems that he will let their opinions play a part of his administration. I could be wrong. I was basing those statements on opinion. It will be hard to prove until he actually takes office.

What proof do you have that McCain will be more of the same of Bush as a diplomat?

Understandable you would feel that way. But remember - Obama wasn't the only one to go on a trip overseas once it was clear he would be the Democratic nominee. McCain went before Obama. And at the time, Republians were criticizing him for not being more "worldly" or whatever.

And because McCain agrees the majority of the time with Bush on matters of foreign policy. He voted for the war in Iraq, for every additional funding the administration sought for the war. He agreed with him on the Kyoto Protocol. He agreed to the troop escalation in Iraq. Every major foreign policy decision Bush has made, McCain has sided with him. If you see this differently, please give me an instance where this did not occur.

That being said, it seems that McCain may be a slightly better diplomat simply because of his experience in the Senate. But I believe that the right-wing will dictate his policy much as it has Bush's, especially since he seems to be going after that vote by selecting SP as his running mate. If he would have selected someone more moderate, then perhaps I would have a different opinion on the matter.